Rashid faces queries during papers’ scrutiny

As the election preparations entered the second phase, the scrutiny of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad's nomination papers for NA-55 witnessed detailed exchanges between the Awami Muslim League chief and returning officer (RO).

The RO, inquiring about the number of accounts held by the former security czar, was informed that there was only one account. Emphasising the need for comprehensive asset details, the RO instructed Sheikh Rashid to attach them separately to the file.

Addressing the correctness of both the proposer and the seconder, the RO assured the former interior minister that the documents were under review. Final approval for the nomination papers is slated for December 30, with the RO announcing the acceptance or rejection of all candidates' papers for the constituency simultaneously.

The RO clarified that any objections from voters or opposing candidates, financial institutions, or any related matters would be considered after the clearance of documents. If necessary, candidates could be summoned again.

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Sardar Abdul Razaq Advocate, the former interior minister's lawyer, argued that objections could only be raised during scrutiny, but the RO rejected this, citing the law. Scrutiny would continue until December 30, allowing objections to be filed during this period. The RO probed details of expenses, specifically questioning a recorded expense related to the sale of land.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad asserted that all his assets were placed in a trust account, refuting any debts or defaults with financial institutions.

Addressing queries on income and expenditure, the veteran politician affirmed regular payment of utility bills, no history of loans, and emphasised his 70-year age.

The RO deemed all documents correct, affirming the clarity of the papers. Sheikh Rashid expressed readiness to appear upon the RO's call, citing his 40-year political career and claiming his personality to be an open book.

In a conditional approval, the RO accepted the nomination papers of Sheikh Rashid and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq from the same constituency.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2023.